Have you ever needed a quick dinner that feels satisfying, not just something thrown together because you were tired? That moment when you get home from work, or back from the gym, and you want something high in protein, full of flavor, and ready fast. This is exactly where this Easy Orange Ground Chicken Recipe fits in.
It’s sweet, savory, slightly sticky, and packed with lean protein. You can have it on the table in about 25 minutes, which makes it ideal for busy weeknights, meal prep, or those evenings when everyone is hungry “right now”. It works just as well spooned over rice as it does tucked into lettuce cups or wraps.
Full Ingredient List
Here is everything you need to make this Easy Orange Ground Chicken Recipe from start to finish.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup orange marmalade
- 1/3 cup low sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
- 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, optional
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
Optional for serving:
- 2 to 3 cups cooked jasmine or brown rice
- 8 to 10 large lettuce leaves for wraps
- 1 to 2 cups steamed broccoli or snap peas
Equipment Needed
You do not need anything complicated for this recipe. Basic kitchen tools are all it takes.
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Medium mixing bowl
- Whisk or fork
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Citrus juicer, (optional but helpful)
- Measuring cups and spoons
What Makes a Great Easy Orange Ground Chicken Recipe?
A truly satisfying version of this dish comes down to a few simple elements:
- Bold citrus flavor with balanced sweetness
- Lean protein that stays juicy
- A glossy sauce that coats every bite
- A hint of heat for contrast
- Quick cooking time without sacrificing flavor
The Orange Garlic Sauce
The sauce should be bright and slightly sticky, with enough depth to keep it from tasting overly sweet. Fresh citrus paired with a savory base gives the chicken a restaurant-style finish without extra effort.
Instead of relying on just one sweet element, layering flavors creates balance. A touch of acidity helps cut through the richness of the meat, and a little heat wakes everything up.
What You’ll Need for The Orange Garlic Sauce
- 1 cup orange marmalade, for sweetness and that glossy finish
- 1/3 cup low sodium soy sauce, for savory depth and salt balance
- 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice, to brighten the flavor
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, to prevent the sauce from tasting heavy
- 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger, for warmth and subtle spice
- 2 cloves garlic, finely minced for aromatic depth
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, optional for heat
The Ground Chicken
Ground chicken is the perfect base for this recipe because it cooks quickly and absorbs flavor beautifully. It is naturally lean, which makes it an excellent high protein option without feeling greasy or heavy.
Because it cooks fast, it is ideal for weeknights. The key is browning it properly so it develops flavor before the sauce goes in.
What You’ll Need for The Chicken
- 1 pound ground chicken, lean but not extra lean for better moisture
- 1 tablespoon olive oil, to prevent sticking and help browning
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, to enhance the natural flavor
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, for subtle heat
Optional Variations and Customizations
This Easy Orange Ground Chicken Recipe is flexible, which makes it great for different tastes and dietary needs.
- Swap ground turkey for a similar lean protein option
- Add finely diced bell peppers for texture and color
- Stir in shredded carrots for extra nutrients
- Use tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten free option
- Replace marmalade with 3/4 cup orange juice plus 1 tablespoon honey for a lighter sweetness
Toppings and Finishing Touches
The finishing elements take this from simple skillet dinner to something that feels complete. They add freshness, texture, and visual appeal.
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, for crunch and nutty flavor
- 2 sliced green onions, for freshness and mild bite
- Fresh cilantro, for brightness
- Steamed broccoli or snap peas, for added volume and nutrients
- Cooked jasmine rice or brown rice, for a balanced meal
How To Make Easy Orange Ground Chicken Recipe
Prepare the Sauce
In a medium bowl, whisk together the orange marmalade, soy sauce, fresh orange juice, rice vinegar, ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes. Stir until smooth and glossy. Set it aside so the flavors can meld while you cook the chicken.
Brown the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add the ground chicken and break it apart with a wooden spoon. Let it cook undisturbed for a minute or two before stirring so it develops light browning, then continue cooking until no pink remains.
Build the Flavor
Season the chicken with salt and black pepper once it is mostly cooked. Stir well to distribute the seasoning evenly. This step ensures the meat itself has flavor before the sauce is added.
Simmer with the Sauce
Pour the orange garlic sauce into the skillet and stir to coat the chicken completely. Reduce the heat to medium and let it simmer for about 4 to 5 minutes. The sauce will thicken slightly and cling to the crumbles, creating that glossy finish.
Finish and Serve
Sprinkle in sesame seeds and sliced green onions just before serving. Spoon the mixture over warm rice, or serve in lettuce wraps for a lighter option. The result is sweet, savory, and packed with protein in every bite.
Storing, Reheating, and Meal Prep
This Easy Orange Ground Chicken Recipe stores beautifully, which makes it perfect for meal prep. Let it cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, warm it gently in a skillet over medium heat or microwave in short intervals, stirring between each one.
If the sauce thickens too much, add 1 to 2 tablespoons of water to loosen it.
It also freezes well for up to 2 months, making it a reliable high protein dinner to keep on hand for busy weeks.
Recipe Card
Easy Orange Ground Chicken
Description
This Easy Orange Ground Chicken is a high protein, flavor packed weeknight dinner made in just 25 minutes. Lean ground chicken is simmered in a glossy orange garlic sauce that is sweet, savory, and slightly spicy. Perfect for post workout meals, busy evenings, or simple family dinners.
Ingredients
For the Orange Garlic Sauce
For the Chicken
For Garnish and Serving
Instructions
Prepare the sauce
-
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the orange marmalade, soy sauce, fresh orange juice, rice vinegar, grated ginger, minced garlic, and crushed red pepper flakes. Whisk with a fork or small whisk until smooth and glossy, making sure the marmalade fully blends into the liquids. The mixture should look thick but pourable and smell fragrant with citrus and garlic. Set the bowl aside so the flavors can meld while you cook the chicken.
Heat the skillet
-
Place a large skillet over medium high heat and add the olive oil. Allow the oil to warm for about 1 minute until it shimmers slightly across the surface. This ensures the chicken begins to brown immediately rather than steam. If the oil starts to smoke, lower the heat slightly before adding the meat.
Cook the ground chicken
-
Add the ground chicken to the hot skillet and use a wooden spoon or silicone spatula to break it apart into small crumbles. Let it cook undisturbed for 1 to 2 minutes so it can develop light golden edges, then continue stirring and breaking it up. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes until the meat is fully cooked, tender, and no pink remains. If excess liquid collects in the pan, allow it to cook off so the chicken can brown properly.
Season the meat
-
Sprinkle the kosher salt and black pepper evenly over the cooked chicken. Stir thoroughly so the seasoning is distributed throughout every crumble. The chicken should smell savory and slightly roasted at this stage, forming a flavorful base before the sauce is added.
Simmer with the orange sauce
-
Reduce the heat to medium and pour the prepared orange garlic sauce directly into the skillet. Stir gently to coat all of the chicken in the glossy mixture. Allow it to simmer for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and clings to the meat (it may look loose at first, but it thickens as it cooks). The finished sauce should appear shiny and lightly sticky without being watery.
Finish and garnish
-
Turn off the heat and sprinkle sesame seeds and sliced green onions over the warm chicken. Stir lightly to distribute or leave some on top for a fresh, vibrant finish. Serve immediately over warm cooked jasmine rice so the sauce soaks slightly into the grains. The final dish should look glossy, smell citrusy and fragrant, and taste sweet, savory, and balanced.
Note
If you prefer a slightly thicker sauce, allow it to simmer for an additional 1 to 2 minutes while stirring gently. For extra vegetables, finely diced bell peppers or shredded carrots can be added to the skillet during the last 3 minutes of cooking. Ground turkey may be substituted for ground chicken using the same method and cooking time. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and reheat gently in a skillet with 1 tablespoon water if needed to loosen the sauce.
